WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The shooter’s father said he last spoke with his son Omar on Saturday, the day before the 29-year old opened fire in a crowded gay nightclub in Orlando, killing 49 people and injuring at least 53 others.
"As a father, it’s painful but I don’t approve of his act. What he did was an act of [terrorism]…which is against my principles [and] against what I taught him," the elder Mateen told reporters.
Seddique Mateen stressed that he did not approve of his son "doing anything against the homeland," and said he wanted his son to get an education and "serve the community."
Father of shooter: "I hate terrorism. I hate those people, ISIS. I hate terrorists…..they should be destroyed." pic.twitter.com/DZpPAF2Jr0
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) June 13, 2016
Omar Mateen was previously investigated by US law enforcement for possible ties to terrorist organizations and a suicide bomber, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
